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Transcending the Wall

NCJ Number
156201
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 41-60
Author(s)
M G Santos; R B McPherson
Date Published
1995
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the relationship between Federal prison inmates who study at the college level, and their mentors in the outside community.
Abstract
The article describes the personal experience of the authors, a young man who has been incarcerated for over 7 years on drug- related charges, and has earned his B.A. and nearly completed his M.A.; and the professor who serves as his mentor and friend. The article discusses the inmate's and the mentor's motivation for participating in this type of correctional educational program, and the benefits they have received from their participation. The authors argue for the continued entitlement of prison inmates to Pell grants, which allow them to study while in prison. Educational activity at the college level is associated with lower recidivism rates; other studies indicate that inmates who engage in academic programs tend to have better records in prison. 21 references